A United Airlines Boeing 787 takes off for Chicago from Houston Intercontinental Airport on Nov. 4, 2012, with more
than 200 customers on board.
This was the inaugural commercial flight for the United Airlines aircraft. Eric Kayne, Houston Chronicle, via AP

Even at 5:54 a.m., there was a festive air at the departure gate for United's inaugural 787 flight. Scott Shatzer for USA TODAY

United spokesman Rahsaan Johnson speaks to a group of journalists traveling on United's inaugural 787 flight. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

United CEO Jeff Smisek, back row center, stands with crew members before the first flight of the airline's Boeing 787 aircraft. Eric Kayne, Houston Chronicle, via AP

Passengers have a little fun before boarding the first Dreamliner to fly paying customers within the United States. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

The chances of getting an upgrade weren't good for United's inaugural 787 flight. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

Customers on United's inaugural 787 flight were treated to snacks before the flight, including special Dreamliner cookies. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

For the first time, a departure board shows United preparing to board paying customers on a 787 flight. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

Thomas Moore, a customer on United's 787 inaugural flight, also has flown on the world's first passenger flights of the 747 and the Airbus A380 – as evidenced by this self-made plaque. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

United's Dreamliner at the gate. Scott Shatzer for USA TODAY

And the boarding for the Dreamliner flight begins ... Scott Shatzer for USA TODAY

A United gate agent takes a boarding pass from one of the first customers to board the Dreamliner. Scott Shatzer for USA TODAY

The crew for United's inaugural Dreamliner flight poses for a photo before departing Houston. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

Capt. Cliff Pittman speaks to the media in Houston before the flight to Chicago. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

A view out the window during United's first "revenue" Dreamliner flight. Scott Shatzer, for USA TODAY

Departure for the Dreamliner from Houston. Scott Shatzer for USA TODAY

Passenger Gregg Martin poses for a picture in his business-class seat as United CEO Jeff Smisek talks to a TV crew during United's inaugural Dreamliner flight. Courtesy of Today in the Sky reader Kris Van Cleave

United CEO Jeff Smisek, for the record, sat in the bulkhead row of coach. Courtesy of Today in the Sky reader Kris Van Cleave

Those on board United's inaugural Dreamliner flight got a souvenir kit, including a certificate indicating their spot on the historic trip. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com

United offered free champagne in all cabins to help celebrate its long-awaited 787 debut. Courtesy of Chris Sloan, Airchive.com